Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra to replaced; Here’s a list of probable successors

As the government deliberates over Vohra's successors, one important decision it will have to make is whether the next Governor will be a civilian or from an Army background.

New Delhi, August 29: N. N Vohra, Jammu and Kashmir’s first civilian Governor in 18 years after Jagmohan was replaced when militancy hit the Valley, is likely to be replaced, according to a number of news reports. Such reports come after violence caused by clashes between protesters and security forces continued went into the 51st day. The death toll in Kashmir has crossed 70, while thousands of others have been injured. The casualties include some security personnel too. The unrest started after Hizbul Mujahiddin commander Burhan Wani was shot dead during an encounter with Indian security forces. Thousands turned up on the streets protesting against what they called the extra-judicial killing of Wani.

The question of finding a replacement for Vohra first arose during Home Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to Srinagar. This was his second visit to Kashmir and he met with the state government officials, including J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti as well as leaders of opposition parties. Vohra was an Indian Administrative Services officer from 1959 to 1994. Later in 1997, he was appointed Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister and served till 1998. He was a member of the National Security Advisor Board from 1998 to 2001. In 2007, he was awarded the Padma Vibushan.

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From 2003 till being appointed Governor of Jammu and Kashmir in 2008, he was the Indian government’s interlocutor in Kashmir. He was reappointed for a second term in 2013. As the government deliberates over Vohra’s successors, one important decision it will have to make is whether the next Governor will be a civilian or from an Army background. Whichever way the central government chooses to go, it will be sending a message to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

A civilian Governor would show that the government has decided on a fresh and more accommodating approach towards the unrest in the state. It could also signal a new outreach to the people of Kashmir. While on the other hand, a governor from an army background would reinforce the strong message that New Delhi has been sending to the separatists, that an provocation will be met with an iron fist. A report by News18 suggests that three retired army generals and two former governors are being considered for the job.

(ALSO READ: Jammu and Kashmir Governor NN Vohra reviews arrangements for Narendra Modi’s visit)

Here are some of the names that seem to be making rounds;

One of the names, as reported by News18, is one 81-year-old BJP leader Bhuwan Chandra Khanduri. He is a retired major general with experience in politics. He served as the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand from 2007 to 2009 and then from 2011 to 2012. He is presently a member of the Lok Sabha from the Garhwal Parliamentary Constituency.

Another name suggested by the news website was Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain. He was a three-star general of the Indian Army and was the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Srinagar-based 15 Corp. According to Asian Age, having served in Kashmir he understand the security issues in the vallye and would be able to handle them well.

The next contender, according to sources of the Indian Express, is former Home Secretary Anil Baijal. He was part of executive council of a Delhi-based think tank which is affiliated to the Sangh parivar. Several other members of the think tank have bagged position within the government.

Retired General Ved Prakash Malik, former Army Chief during the Kargil War, is also being considered for the position by the central government, Firstpost reported. He oversaw the planning and implementation of Operation Vijay which thwarted Pakistan army’s intrusion in Kargil .

Former Governor of Mizoram and also former Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Amolak Rathan Kohli is the last name in the fray. He served as a close aide of Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and L. K. Advani.